Regulator Blocks BBC DRM Plans

TheRaven64 writes "The BBC's plans to introduce DRM for over-the-air digital broadcasts were today dealt a setback when the regulator, Ofcom, asked them the same question that has been asked of many DRM systems: 'How does this benefit the consumer?' The letter to the BBC is quoted in the article as saying that 'Ofcom received a large number of responses to this consultation, in particular from consumers and consumer groups, who raised a number of potentially significant consumer "fair use" and competition issues that were not addressed in our original consultation.' This does not end the chance of the BBC being allowed to introduce DRM in the future, but it at least delays their opportunity to do so."

Comments

Re:BBC should answer to society, not companies

[Henriok]

I think BBC might be the most powerful factor in the World for this kind of arguments. We have a publicly paid broadcaster in Sweden battling the same battle but SR/SVT isn't nearly as powerful and looks to BBC for guidance. I, myself, does what I can to make our broadcasters adopt open standards for their broadcasting, but it's seems hard for them to get out of their proprietary delivery technologies (Real/Windows Media/Flash based). Amazingly hard. But I think we are getting there. Baby steps.

BBC covering their own backs

[mr_stark]

The BBC board are not stupid, they know applying to have tax payer funded content restricted isnt going to fly. They are maneuvering to cover their backs. Despite what they say the BBC are very ratings focused. They are going head to head with ITV (the biggest independent TV station in the UK) over the Saturday night prime slot with their own reality TV/talent show for example.

They want to broadcast popular shows but dont want content restriction to be used as leverage by the content providers. Rather than saying "we wont do that b/c its not in the public interest" the BBC are aiming to say "We cant use DRM b/c its against the law."